Digital Commons Network^™

Thinking With Trees: Responding To Sympoietic Plant Relations Through Visual Art, Xiaoyu Yang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Societal Impact Statement: Amid escalating climate crises, this paper explores how we might rethink our relationship with the natural world, particularly with plants and trees, through the perspectives of visual art. This paper reveals how art invites us to see trees and other plant life not as passive background scenery, but as living beings with their own forms of experience and individuality. Rather than offering technical solutions to the climate crisis, visual art creates something equally important: a shift in how we think and feel about ‘othering’ non-human life. By making visible the inner lives and behaviours of plants, art …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Future Health Professionals' Dementia Knowledge And Perceptions Of Dementia-Related Technology Support, Helen M. Haydon, Melissa Taylor, Annie Banbury, Cindy Jones, Georgina R. Chelberg, Louise Horstmanshof, Richard Hicks, Centaine L. Snoswell, Melissa Carey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: This research aimed to explore healthcare professional (HCP) students' dementia knowledge, perceptions of older adults' digital literacy, and perceived usefulness of digital health interventions for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore HCP student perceptions of cognitive ageing and their understandings of the relationship between technology and healthcare practice. Researchers also explored students' knowledge of dementia and their contemporary educational experiences.

Results: Findings revealed a lack of formal education regarding the use of technology in cognitive care associated with ageing populations. Students also reported limited experience with the use of technology in …

Acute Effects Of Re-Warm-Up On Physical Performance, Muscle Temperature, And Perceived Exertion In Basketball Players: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis With Individual Participant Data, Yu Feng Yang, Enrique Flórez-Gil, Christos Koutsouridis, Yu Ming Zhong, Nuno Mateus, Eduardo Abade, Ching Feng Cheng, Mengde Lyu, Kai Xu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: (1) the acute effects of RWU on physical performance, body temperature (BT), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in basketball players; and (2) individual-level performance improvements across different RWU methods.

Methods: Three databases were searched for RWU studies in basketball players. An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted using a two-stage approach with multilevel models, including adjustments for small sample sizes. Effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean changes (SMC) for within-group comparisons and standardized mean differences (SMD) for between-group comparisons.

Results: Seven studies (n = 82; 35 females, 47 males) were included, with individual raw data obtained from …

Effects Of Immediate Skin-To-Skin Contact In Preterm Infants In High-Resource Settings: A Systematic Review, Victoria Rettedal, Siren Rettedal, Maren Johanne Heilskov Rytter, Linea Grothe Larsen, Frederikke Buskov, Evalotte Mörelius, Katrin Mehler, Karoline Lode-Kolz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: A landmark trial published in 2021 demonstrated a 25% reduction in neonatal mortality when comparing immediate skin-to-skin contact (iSSC) to conventional care in infants with birthweight 1–1.8 kg in low- and middle-resource settings. New evidence from randomised clinical trials on iSSC in high-resource settings has recently become available. This systematic review aimed to evaluate evidence for immediate/early SSC, defined as initiated within 1 h after birth, versus conventional care in inborn preterm infants in high-resource settings.

Methods: Ten electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL, from 2000 until February 2026, were searched. Randomised clinical trials comparing iSSC to …

The “Green Persuasion Effect” Of Negative Messages: How And When Message Framing Influences Tourists’ Environmentally Responsible Behavior, Xuehuan He, Chengzhi Ye, Songshan Huang, Lujun Su

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Tourist activities may harm the environment, making tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior particularly important in tourism research. This research investigates the persuasion effect of message framing in environmental protection reminders on environmentally responsible behavior. Through five studies employing both field and controlled experiments and different measures of environmentally responsible behavior across varied tourism scenarios, we demonstrate that negatively (vs. positively) framed messages more effectively increase environmentally responsible behavior. Specifically, negatively framed messages are more effective in enhancing tourists’ environmental awareness, which triggers more environmentally responsible behavior. Furthermore, we identify social class as a moderator of message framing effectiveness, showing that negatively …

Cytocompatibility, Osteogenic Potential, Antibacterial And Antibiofilm Efficacy Of A Calcium-Silicate-Based Intracanal Medication, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

This study assessed the biological and antimicrobial properties of a calcium silicate-based material and calcium hydroxide (CH) when used as intracanal medications. MTT assay, osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal stem cells (hPDLSCs), cell mineralization-assay, and determination of ALP activity were assessed to investigate the biological properties. While the agar well diffusion, crystal violet (CRV) assay and LIVE/DEAD staining of dentin slices infected with a mature E. faecalis biofilm were used to assess the antimicrobial properties. Normally distributed data were analyzed using one and two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test, while for non-normally distributed data Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's tests …

Enhancing Severely Compromised Premolar Strength: Role Of Cusp Reduction Design In Cad/Cam Composite Restorations, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different designs and depths of cusp reduction on fracture resistance of maxillary permanent premolars restored with CAD/CAM composite restorations. A total of 42 sound maxillary premolars were used. Standardized MOD cavities were prepared in all specimens. Teeth were randomly divided according to form of cusp reduction into three main groups (n = 14); G1:MOD cavities restored with inlays with no cusp reduction, G2:MOD cavities restored with overlays with buccal and palatal anatomical cusps reduction, G3; MOD cavities restored with overlays with buccal and palatal flat cusps reduction. Groups 2 …

Automatic Teeth Segmentation In Panoramic Radiographs Using Attention U-Net, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Attention U-Net architecture for teeth segmentation in panoramic dental images. By exploring the potential of Attention U-Net, the study aims to contribute to the development of more precise and automated dental imaging analysis, which could enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and computer-aided dental systems. Subjects and methods: The TUFTS University dataset consisting of 1000 de-identified panoramic radiographs was used for training and testing an Attention U-Net architecture with 10-fold cross-validation. These scores surpass those of all other networks implemented on the same dataset. using a newly available benchmark …

Clinical Evaluation Of The Remineralizing Potential Of Biomimetic Scaffolds On Enamel White Spot Lesions: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial, Eman Soliman, Wegdan Abdelfattah, Doaa Ragai M Ahmed, Dina Nagui, Ahmed Holiel

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Dual Regulation Of Osteogenesis And Inflammation By Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Extract In Periodontal Ligament-Derived Stem Cells: Implications For Regenerative Medicine, Mai Hafez

Dentistry

Objectives

This article aims to compare the osteogenic along with anti-inflammatory activity of different concentrations of pomegranate extract (PG) on human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (hPDLSCs) in vitro.

Materials and Methods

hPDLSCs were acquired from the root surface of removed molars, cultured, and then distinguished by flow cytometry analysis and several lineage differentiation potentials. To identify the effect of PG on hPDLSCs' viability, an MTT assay was performed. hPDLSCs were maintained in osteogenic induction medium with varying concentrations of PG. At the end of the induction period, osteogenesis was assessed using Alizarin Red staining, ALP assay, and qRT-PCR to determine …

Effect Of Different Finishing And Polishing Systems On Surface Roughness And Color Stability Of Composite Cad/Cam Blocks (In-Vitro Study), Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Noura Alzayyat, Reem Mohamed Gadao

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Caries Removal Techniques On Micro-Tensile Bond Strength Of Cad/Cam Composite Blocks To Dentine (In-Vitro Study), Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Hoda Fouda, Basma Khalifa, Youssef M. Haridy

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Cigarette Smoke And Heated-Tobacco Aerosol On Streptococcus Mutans Adhesion And Surface Topography Of Dental Hard Tissues In Vitro, Mahmoud Bakr, Mohamed Shamel, Mahmoud Al Ankily

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Cigarette Smoke And Heated-Tobacco Aerosol On Streptococcus Mutans Adhesion And Surface Topography Of Dental Hard Tissues In Vitro, Mohamed Shamel, Mahmoud Al Ankily, Nourhan Taha

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Stress Distribution In Different Toothimplant Supported Mandibular Prostheses Rehabilitating Unilateral Free-End Saddle: A Biomechanical Comparative Finite Element Study, Maha Nagy Kamal, Haytham Amr Mohammed, Abdallah Shokkry

Dentistry

Abstract Aim of the study Utilizing Finite Element Analysis, this research biomechanically assessed three prosthetic designs for mandibular unilateral free-end saddle, specifically interrogating the magnitude and distribution of stresses transmitted to the terminal anterior abutment and the supporting posterior implant. Materials and methods A mandibular unilateral free-end saddle educational cast, with the first premolar as the last standing abutment tooth, was used. The abutment teeth of the free end saddle side were prepared to accommodate two splinted crowns. Then the cast was scanned, and an implant analogue was digitally inserted at the second molar area using Blender4dental software. Three different …

Fracture Resistance Of Resin Composite Restorations With Different Underlying Core Build Up Materials As A Dentin Substitute In Mod Cavities In Premolars (In-Vitro Study), Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Haridy, Hoda Fouda, Nourhan Kamel, Ahmed Refaat

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Different Packing Protocols On Fracture Resistance Of Maxillary Premolars Restored With Bioactive Composite, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Haridy, Hoda Fouda, Alaa Elgembri

Dentistry

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to verify effect of different packing protocols on fracture resistance of

maxillary premolar teeth with standardized mesioocclusodistal (MOD) preparations restored with bioactive composite.

Materials and Methods: Seventy sound maxillary premolar teeth with standardized MOD cavities were randomly

allocated to seven groups (n=10): G1 (control): sound teeth; G2: unrestored MOD preparation; G3: was filled by an

incremental technique with nanohybrid resin composite (Beautifil II LS, Shofu); G4: was filled in bulk with flowable

composite (Beautifil Bulk Flowable, Shofu); G5: bulk filled with nanohybrid composite (Beautifil Bulk, Shofu); G6: was

restored by increment …

Anticancer Effects Of A Captopril Montmorillonite Formulation In Oral Cancer Cells Through Apoptosis And Redox Modulation, Dalia Ghalwash, Nada Saleh, Hadeel Mousa, Shereen Raafat

Dentistry

Abstract Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains challenging due to the limited efficacy and toxicity of current therapies. This study investigates the anticancer potential of Captopril–Montmorillonite (CP–MMT) (nanoclay-based delivery system), a drug-repurposing approach in which Captopril is incorporated within MMT nanoclay layered silicate carrier. To our knowledge, this formulation has not been previously investigated in OSCC cell lines, demonstrating enhanced anticancer efficacy. The aim of the work was to compare the anticancer effects of CP–MMT formulation with free Captopril in OSCC cell lines, focusing on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, oxidative stress, and key molecular markers. Methods CP–MMT nanoclay-based formulation …

Bone Dimensional Stability With Versus Without A Stent Following Apically Repositioned Flap And Single-Stage Implant Placement: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Dalia Ghalwash, Ahmed Hamdy, Jazia Alblowi

Dentistry

Abstract Maintaining peri-implant bone and tissue health is essential for long-term implant success. The effectiveness of adjunctive stent stabilization is still unclear, though the apically repositioned flap (ARF) improves soft tissue conditions. Therefore, this study assessed whether the use of stents during single-stage placement improves peri-implant bone changes and clinical outcomes following ARF. This randomized clinical trial included twenty partially edentulous patients who were divided into two groups: ARF with stent stabilization (n = 10) and ARF using conventional suturing (n = 10). At baseline, three months, and six months, radiographic bone dimensions measured by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were …

Clinical Feasibility Of An Artificial Intelligence- Assisted Digital Workflow For Full-Arch Implant Rehabilitation: A Multicenter Case Series, Dalia Ghalwash, Marco Tallarico, Mohamed El Ashry, Carlotta Cacciò, Mohamad Qaddomi

Dentistry

Fully digital workflows are increasingly used in implant prosthodontics; however, completely edentulous full-arch rehabilitations remain challenging because implant position transfer and passive framework fit are susceptible to cumulative scanning and registration errors. Clinical evidence on artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted completearch implant impression workflows remains limited. This multicenter case series aimed to describe the clinical feasibility of an AI-assisted digital workflow (SmartX) combined with extended scan bodies for all-on-X full-arch implant-supported rehabilitations. Ten completely edentulous patients rehabilitated with all-on-X implant-supported fullarch prostheses were included. Digital impressions were obtained using SmartFlag scan bodies and an AI-assisted SmartX workflow with an intraoral scanner. The …

Chia Seed Extract As A Potential Adjunct In The Management Of Oral Candidiasis: An In Vitro Study, Dalia Ghalwash, Rawda Sayed, Ahmed Ammar, Eman Khalil

Dentistry

ABSTRACT Background Oral candidiasis remains a common opportunistic fungal infection, with increasing interest in natural antifungal alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Salvia hispanica (chia) seed extract against oral Candida albicans, compare its efficacy with nystatin, assess their combined effect, and investigate cytotoxicity on WI-38 human fibroblast cells. Methods Antifungal activity was evaluated using broth microdilution and agar well diffusion assays, with nystatin oral suspension used as a positive control. Cytotoxicity of chia seed extract was assessed on WI-38 human fibroblast cells using the MTT assay. Results Chia seed extract demonstrated notable antifungal activity, with a …

Reproductive Hormones And Semen Quality Among Fertile Adults With And Without Periodontitis: A Crosssectional Study, Dalia Ghalwash, Rim Ghanem, Mazen Ghanem, Manal Safan, Ahmed Ghanem

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Periodontal Parameters Among Infertile Men Undergoing Periodontitis Treatment: A Retrospective Study, Dalia Ghalwash, Rim Ghanem, Mazen Ghanem, Manal Safan, Ahmed Ghanem

Dentistry

Background and Objectives: Periodontitis has been linked to idiopathic male infertility and impairment of semen values. However, data on the role of periodontal treatment in sperm parameter outcomes as well as the identification of the value of clinical periodontal infection predictors (BOP, PD, and CAL) as composite measures following active periodontitis therapy are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the role of periodontitis treatment in infertile men and its impact on semen quality. Methods: 58 infertile patients with semen abnormalities underwent treatment of periodontitis. Clinical periodontal and andrological examinations were conducted for all participants. Clinical periodontal parameters (PD, BOP, and …

Targeting Of The Oncogenic Fusion Ewsr1-Fli1 In Ewing Sarcoma By Crispr/Dcas9 Silencers, Shahama Taifour, Chee Wai Wong, Christopher Wallis, Edina Wang, Ash W.J. Tie, Eleanor Woodward, Charlene Waryah, Mahnaz Hosseinpour, Dilys Lam, Ryan Lister, Larissa Dymond, Andrew Woo, Peter J. Houghton, K. Swaminathan Iyer, Marck Norret, Cameron W. Evans, Louise Winteringham, Silvana Gaudieri, Pilar Blancafort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Despite the revolutionary impact of genome engineering tools in medicine, the safe and effective intracellular delivery of CRISPR remains a major obstacle to clinical applications. Here, we utilize precision molecular targeting and delivery strategies based on CRISPR-nuclease-dead Cas9 (dCas9) systems adapted for epigenetic repression (dCas9-Krüppel-associated box [KRAB]) to silence oncogenic drivers with high selectivity. As proof of principle, we target the EWSR1-FLI1 translocation, which encodes a chimeric and hard-to-drug oncogenic transcription factor driving approximately 85% of the cases of Ewing sarcoma (EWS)—an aggressive childhood malignancy. We describe the development of a programmable, non-viral polymeric system for the delivery of dCas9-KRAB …

Population Genomics Data For The Temperate Seagrass Posidonia Sinuosa, John Whale, Elizabeth Sinclair, Chanelle Webster, Nicole Said, Ankje Frouws, David Field, Kathryn Mcmahon

Research Datasets

Seagrasses are flowering plants commonly found along coastal waters, globally, where they provide important ecosystem services such as habitat provision, sequestering carbon, and sediment stabilization. They can reproduce both clonally and sexually where sexual reproduction can result in new, potentially adaptive, variants and the existence of both reproductive methods means that meadows can be highly variable in clonal diversity. The temperate seagrass, Posidonia sinuosa, occurs across a latitudinal gradient along the Western Australian coastline. Some meadows have experienced significant decline as a result of industrialisation and urbanisation of coastal areas. We investigated spatial genetic diversity, structure, and local adaptation using …

Example Imagery Survey Data And Project Files To Test Wisdam Software, Amanda Hodgson, Christophe Cleguer

Research Datasets

This example dataset is designed to support our WISDAM (Wildlife Image Survey Detection and Mapping) software—a free, open‑source application (available at www.WISDAMapp.org) created for researchers conducting wildlife imagery surveys. WISDAM enables users to generate data suitable for abundance estimation and spatial modelling from aerial photographic surveys of marine and terrestrial megafauna.

Brief For Jonathan H. Adler As Amicus Curiae Supporting Respondents And Affirmance, Jonathan Adler

Briefs

Global climate change presents many complex and intractable legal and policy questions. Assuming this Court has jurisdiction, the legal questions in this case are comparatively simple and straightforward. Nothing in federal law, let alone the Constitution, preempts state-law claims seeking relief from injuries allegedly caused or exacerbated by petitioners’ conduct.

At issue in this case is whether allegedly aggrieved parties, including subnational governments, may seek redress under state law from defendants otherwise subject to state court jurisdiction for harms allegedly caused or contributed to by petitioners’ conduct. In order to succeed, respondents will ultimately need to show that the damages …

Differential Impact Of Admission Type And Clinical Complexity On Diabetes Hospitalization Costs Among African American And Hispanic Patients In Southeastern Virginia, Ismail El Moudden, Asra Amidi, Reem Sharaf-Alddin, Michael C. Bittner, Qi Zhang

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) imposes substantial healthcare costs with documented disparities among African Americans and Hispanic patients. To inform care delivery and resource allocation, this study identified hospitalization cost predictors among African American and Hispanic patients with diabetes in Southeastern Virginia.

Methods

We analyzed 6,011 hospital discharges from the Virginia Health Information database (2016-2020) for adults aged 18-85 with diabetes. Discharges were classified by Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Groups: DM with complications/comorbidities (DCC, n = 3,328), DM with major complications/comorbidities (DMCC, n = 1,518), and DM without major complications/comorbidities (DWO, n = 1,165). Because cost distributions were right-skewed (skewness 3.5-8.24), we …

Importance Of Placental Evaluation In Pregnancies At High Risk For Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Expert Clinical Perspective, Rebecca H. Jessel, Alesha White, Hope Y. Yu, Amie L. Hollard, Meena Khandelwal, Carolyn M. Zelop, Jennifer Philips, Alireza A. Shamshirsaz, John C. Kingdom, Alfred Abuhamad, Christina L. Herrera, Pan American Society For Placenta Accreta Spectrum (Pas2)

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a leading cause of obstetric morbidity and peripartum hysterectomy. Rising cesarean delivery rates, advanced maternal age, and assisted reproductive technologies have increased its incidence. Early, standardized diagnosis is essential for multidisciplinary planning and improved outcomes, yet formal screening guidelines are lacking.

Objective

To raise awareness of the importance of antenatal screening for PAS, summarize key clinical and imaging risk factors, and propose a standardized mid-trimester ultrasound protocol for high-risk patients.

Methods

An expert panel convened under the Pan-American Society for the Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS2) reviewed available evidence, risk stratification models, and prior consensus …

Acute Fatty Liver Of Pregnancy And Fetal Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders: A Systematic Review, Dante Varotsis, Sarah Araji, Rebecca Horgan, Jennifer E. Powel, Rodney Mclaren Jr., Brian Kirmse, Mona Makhamreh, Huda B. Al-Kouatly

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the association between maternal acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and fetal fatty acid oxidation (FAO) disorders and to define the clinical and genetic characteristics of mothers with AFLP and their fetuses affected by FAO disorders, we performed a systematic literature review of all reported cases of AFLP that underwent genetic testing for FAO disorders.

DATA SOURCES:

We searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Terms included were related to AFLP and FAO testing.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION:

We conducted a systematic literature review from inception through May 18, 2025, to evaluate the …